N EVERY country there is some rite observed, by which children in earliest infancy are called within the pale of religious organ- izations. We do not presume to deal with theological matters; our province is to show what customs obtain in preparing

for baptism, not trenching on the religious phases of that ceremonial. Godfathers and godmothers are chosen among fast friends or near relatives of the family, whose influence may be exerted for good upon the future of the child, and they should be of mature years, belonging to the same church with the parents of the child, or they may not sympathize with the ceremonial. It is not right to offer yourself to fill this position, unless your rank or fortune be such that the parents would not dare to ask, though they might strongly wish you to officiate. When you are invited you should consent,  if you

can do so without compromising yourself; but if you cannot do as requested, excuse yourself in a manner that will not wound the parents, upon the instant, as the office must be filled by some other person, who has to be invited. When the godmother has been chosen, she may select the godfather.

Grandparents very commonly become sponsors for the first two chlidren in the family, the grandmother by the mother's side, and the grandfather on the father's side, being the first called, and the other grandparents next; where there are no grandparents, the nearest relatives are invited, provided they belong to the same church. There are intrinsic reasons why godfathers and godmothers should have value in the eyes of parents, as they commonly bring some rich offering to the house, in token of their regard. A silver cup, sometimes filled with gold coin, is presented to the boy by the godfather, or to the girl by the godmother, the other sponsor in each case giving something of value in the way of jewelry or dress, according to

their means, but parents are influenced by larger consid- erations in selecting sponsors for their children. The robe and cap in which the rlte is received is very often the gift of the godmother, the fabric being some rich material, pure white, with white trimmings.

In all churches great importance attaches to baptism, and in the Roman Catholic church so much, that when a child is supposed in danger, it must be baptised immediately, in the house of the parents, if it is too young or weak for removal to the church. Otherwise it will be taken to the consecrated edifice as soon as its health will permit. In the younger church Protestants generally defer the ceremony until the child can be attended by both parents; but in all familles the rite of baptism may be performed at home, when necessary, in this country.

When the ceremony takes place in church, the child is carried by the nurse, who is first in the little procession; the sponsors follow, as having the spiritual responsibility, but the godfather and godmother walk apart; the parents come next, or the father, if the mother is not yet able to attend, and invited guests in the order of nearness to the family, by blood or friendship, bring up the rear. When the company draw near the font, the nurse stands in the center with the child reclining its head on her right arm, the godfather to her right, the godmother on the left. The priest looks for an inclination of the head only when asking, “Who are the sponsors for this child?” Arrangements will have been made for an instant removal of the child's cap, and no sign of annoyance should appear if the little one is unhappy during the ceremony.

There is no fee charged for baptism, but there is no law against making presents, and sometimes in addition to recognizing the services of the clergyman, the poor are remembered by wealthy people,who give feasts and donations through the church; and the nurse generally has substantial cause to bear the day in her mind. When the ceremony is performed in the house, a carriage must be sent for the clergyman, and the company may be regaled with light refreshments, but none will stay long, the weakness of the mother being considered. Generally after baptism in church, the guests do not return to the house. Baby is the treasure of the household, and must be greeted with kindly comments, ladies carrying some pretty piece of their own work, and gentlemen gifts in silver.